Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1887-01-08

Isabel looked down at the floor. and fol
lowed the lines in the pattern of the CARPET
with the end of her smart little shoe. Sb,
could hardly have been farther away from
really understanding Moody if he had spoken
in Hebrew She was partly startled, partly
puzzled, by the strong emotions which she
had unconsciously called into being. oOh
dear mel" she said, why can't you talk Of
something elsel Why can't we be friends
Excuse me for mentioning it,n she went on,
looking up at him with saucy smile, ''you
are old enough to be my father"
! Moodys head sank on his breast 81 own
it, he answered, humbly. ''But there is
something to be said for me. Men as old ms
| am have made good husbands before now.
| would devote my whole life to make YOU
happy. There isn't a wish you could form
which | wouldn't be proud to obey. You
mustn't reckon me by years My youth has
not been wasted in profigate life. can
be truer to you and fonder of you than many
younger man. Surely my heart is not ouite
unworthy of you, when it is all yours. / have
lived such lonely, miserable life, and Won
might SO easily brighten it. You are kind to
everybody else, Isabel Tell me, dear. why
ere you so hard on neg"
those simple words He had taken the right
way at last to produce an impression ON her
She really felt for him. All that was true
and tender In her nature began to rise in her
and take his part Unhappily, he felt too
deeply and too strongly to be patient, and to
give her time. He completely misinterpreted
her silence-completely mistook the motive
that made her turn aside for o moment to
gather composure enough to speak to him.
"AhP' he burst out, bitterly, turning away
on his side, ''you have no heart"
She instantly resented those unjust words,
At that moment they wounded her to the
quick
"You know BEST" she said 81 have no
doubt you are right. Remember one thing.
however, though l have no heart, I have
never encouraged you, Mr.. Moody. / have
declared over and over again that l could
only be your friend Understand that for
the future, ii you please. There are plenty
of nice women who will be glad to marry
you, have no doubt. You will always have
my best wishes for your welfare. Good
morning Her ladyship will wonder what
has become Of me. Be SO kind as to let me
pass"
Tortured by the passion that consumed
him, Moody obstinately kept his place be-
tween Isabel and the door. The unworthy
suspicion of her. which had been in his mind
all through the interview, now forced its way
outward to expression at last.
NO woman ever used a man as Won use
me without some reason for it." he said
You have kept your secret wonderfully
well; but, sooner or later, all secrets get
found out know what is in your mind as
well as you know it yourself You are in
love with some other man"
Isabels face flushed deeply; the defensive
pride OF her sex was up in arms in an in
slant. She cast one disdainful look at Moody,
without troubling herself to express her con.
tempt in words Stand out of my way.
siri" that was all she said to him.
You are in love with some other man.
he reiterated, paSsionately. DENY it if you
CAMP
DENY i'll" she repeated, with flashing eyes.
"What right have you to ask the question:
Am not free to do as pleasel'
He stood looking at her, meditating his
next words With a sudden and sinister
change to selfrestraiat Suppressed rage
was In his rigidly set eyes, suppressed rage
was in his trembling hand as he raised Il
emphatically while he spoke his next words.
Il have one thing more to say hc an
swered, land then have DONE II am not
your husband, no other man shall be. Look
well to il, Isabel Miller. II there Is another
man between Us, can tell him this-hs shall
ind 1t no easy matter to rob me Of your